By Burnett Munthali
Symposium focuses on fostering youth inclusion and trust in Africa’s governance trajectory
On Wednesday, McBride Nkhalamba joined young leaders from across Africa at the 5th African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium, a platform aimed at fostering cross-generational dialogue on the continent’s governance trajectory.
The symposium, themed “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity,” explored how governance practices impact youth inclusion, participation, and trust in political and civic processes.
Participants engaged in discussions on the role of youth in shaping governance outcomes, sharing experiences and strategies to enhance young people’s involvement in decision-making at local, national, and regional levels.
The event underscored the importance of creating spaces where young people can contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, hold leaders accountable, and help drive sustainable development across Africa.
Nkhalamba highlighted the value of dialogue across generations, noting that bridging the gap between experienced policymakers and emerging leaders is essential for translating Africa’s promise into tangible prosperity for youth.
The symposium featured presentations, interactive sessions, and panel discussions aimed at equipping youth with knowledge, skills, and networks to actively participate in governance processes.
By fostering collaboration between young leaders and senior policymakers, the APRM Youth Symposium seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive development across the continent.
Nkhalamba and other participants emphasized that youth engagement in governance is not only a matter of representation but also a key driver for accountability, transparency, and long-term socio-economic progress.
The gathering concluded with commitments to enhance youth participation in governance, implement innovative solutions for civic engagement, and build stronger platforms for dialogue between generations.
